Economist Podcasts The enemy of their enemy: the Kurds ally with Syria
Oct 14, 2019
Roger McShane, Middle East editor for The Economist, discusses Turkey's striking military action in northeastern Syria, shedding light on the Kurds' desperate bid for protection as they negotiate with Russian-backed Syrian forces. Namini Vijadasa, The Economist's Sri Lanka correspondent, reveals the dark side of microfinance in Sri Lanka, where intended opportunities have spiraled into debt traps. The conversation also touches on the overlooked struggles faced by Chinese truckers, contrasting their low status and harsh realities with their more celebrated counterparts in the West.
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Syrian Power Shift
- Turkey's incursion into Northern Syria has dramatically shifted the balance of power.
- The Kurds, formerly allied with the US, now seek protection from Syrian and Russian forces.
Kurds Ally with Assad
- The Kurds, abandoned by the US, have allied with the Assad regime.
- This alliance marks a significant shift in the Syrian conflict, with Assad potentially regaining control of the north.
US Reliability in Question
- America's withdrawal from Syria raises questions about its commitment to other Middle Eastern allies.
- Allies like Saudi Arabia and Israel may worry about similar abandonment in the future.